Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a downhole cable, the method including, forming a helical shape in an outer circumferential surface of a metal tube, the metal tube having a fiber element housed therein, and stranding a copper element in a helical space formed by the metallic tube. Also provided is a downhole cable including, a metallic tube having a helical space in an outer circumferential surface thereof, wherein the metallic tube has a fiber element housed therein, and a copper element disposed in a helical space formed by the steel tube. Double-tube and multi-tube configurations of the downhole cable are also provided.

Abstract: A composite cable to be laid by being drawn or blown into a cable tube, which has at least two insulated copper wires (1, 2) which are stranded with one another, and at least one single-fiber optical waveguide (3, 4) and a cable sheath (5). The insulation of the copper wires has an inner layer (1b, 2b) with foamed polymer and an outer layer (1c, 2c) including an unfoamed polymer (foam skin). The optical waveguide(s) (3, 4) being arranged in the stranding gaps in the insulated copper wires (1, 2) which are stranded with one another, and reinforcing elements (5a) are made from a material having a high tensile strength being embedded in the sheath (5).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, a strength layer surrounding the optical fiber, and an outer jacket surrounding the strength layer. The strength layer includes a matrix material in which is integrated a plurality of reinforcing fibers. A fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, a strength layer, a first electrical conductor affixed to an outer surface of the strength layer, a second electrical conductor affixed to the outer surface of the strength layer, and an outer jacket. The strength layer includes a polymeric material in which is embedded a plurality of reinforcing fibers. A method of manufacturing a fiber optic cable includes mixing a base material in an extruder. A strength layer is formed about an optical fiber. The strength layer includes a polymeric film with embedded reinforcing fibers disposed in the film. The base material is extruded through an extrusion die to form an outer jacket.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables are disclosed that have a toning lobe that allows the conductive wire to migrate toward the main cable body while still allowing adequate separation performance of the toning lobe. More specifically, the fiber optic cable includes a main cable body having at least one optical waveguide and a toning lobe. The toning lobe is connected to the main cable body by a web that frangible. In one embodiment, the toning lobe and the web have a generally tear drop shape. The web includes a neck portion adjacent to the main cable body and a web body, wherein the web body generally increases in thickness towards the toning lobe. The shape of the toning lobe allows a conductive wire of the toning lobe to migrate from a center of the toning lobe toward the main cable body while still providing adequate separation performance of the toning lobe.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system that allows for the flexible location of an optical device that is coupled to a patch panel in a wiring closet or other optical signal source through a series of fiber optic cables and optical connections, or the flexible location of an array of such optical devices. The optical system includes, in part, one or more retractable optical fiber tether assemblies that each allow varying lengths of tether cable to be pulled and used. The retraction device of each of the optical tether assemblies may be disposed mid-tether cable, or may terminate the respective tether cable and incorporate the given optical device. In an exemplary wireless local area network (WLAN) application, each of the retractable optical fiber tether assemblies includes an integral transceiver and associated software. Thus, each of the retractable optical fiber tether assemblies functions as an antenna.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide an optical apparatus for focusing and guiding optical energy. An optical apparatus may include a dielectric fiber, a group of metallic wires embedded within the dielectric fiber, and a layer of metal covering an outer surface of the dielectric fiber. The metallic wires may be organized in a converging/diverging manner to guide optical waves. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Slickline cables and methods for preparing such cables are disclosed. A slickline cable includes a pre-manufactured polymer composite rod having a channel therein; an optical fiber disposed in the channel; a fastener securing the optical fiber in the channel, wherein the fastener is selected from the group comprising a polymer tape, a polymer layer, and a combination thereof, and an outer tube disposed outside the polymer composite rod having the optical fiber therein. A method for manufacturing a slickline cable includes preparing a polymer composite rod having at least one channel therein; placing at least one optical fiber in the at least one channel in the polymer composite rod; securing the at least one optical fiber in the at least one channel using a polymer tape, a polymer layer, or a combination of a polymer tape and a polymer layer; disposing an outer tube over the polymer composite rod.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a waveguide and resonator capable of suppressing the energy loss due to the skin effect. A conductive material layer is formed in the vicinity of an inside tube in the region between an outside tube and the inside tube which share the central axis and are made of a conductive material. A spacer layer (space) is formed between the surface of the inside tube and the conductive material layer. In the spacer layer, the end is thicker than the center in the layered body of the spacer layer and the conductive material layer. With the provision of such a layered body, the energy loss due to the skin effect can be suppressed. The effect becomes more prominent with a larger difference of the thickness of the spacer layer between the center and the end.

Abstract: A system and method for installing cable according to which the cable is disposed in conduit. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable is fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Generic tow lead-in for streamers providing communication between the seismic systems and the streamers, consisting of at least four wire power quad, at least four multimode optical fibres and at least one signal pair, where the at least one signal line do not utilise a screen.

Abstract: There is provided a hybrid cable that comprises a coaxial cable with an outer conductor and a hollow inner conductor that encloses an inner space. The hybrid cable according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may comprise a data line that is arranged in the inner space of the inner conductor.

Abstract: A composite material for a cable floatation jacket is provided. The composite material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer matrix, and a plurality of carbon constituents interspersed in the thermoplastic elastomer matrix. The carbon constituents comprise a plurality of carbon fibers, and a plurality of carbon microballoons attached to each of the carbon fibers. The composite material in heated liquid form can be extruded onto a cable core to produce the floatation jacket.

Abstract: A cable assembly (1) includes an insulative housing (2) having a base portion (21) and a tongue portion (22), said tongue portion (22) defining a number of cavities (222) recessed inwardly from one of an upper or a bottom surfaces of the tongue portion; a number of lenses (5) retained in the cavities (222) and connected to corresponding optical fiber (103); and a plurality of contacts (3, 4) mounted to the insulated housing (2), each of the contacts having a mating portion (32, 42) disposed about the other surface of the tongue portion (22) and a tail portion (36, 46) rearward extending beyond the base portion (21) for electrically connecting with a corresponding wire.

Abstract: Disclosed is installation of an optical fiber composite electric power cable. An installation method of an optical fiber composite electric power cable includes installing an electric power cable including a conductor and an air-blown installation tube therein at an installation region; connecting tubes of adjacent electric power cables to each other, in an electric power cable connection box; and installing an optical fiber unit into the connected tubes by air pressure. Also, a cable structure used for installing the optical fiber composite electric power cable includes a conductor for electric power transmission; an insulator surrounding the conductor; an air-blown installation tube provided outside of the insulator; and a corrosion-protective layer provided to an outermost layer of the cable.

Abstract: A powered fiber optic cable for use in a hydrocarbon well of extensive depth and/or deviation. The cable may couple to a downhole tool for deployment to well locations of over 30,000 feet in depth while maintaining effective surface communication and powering of the tool. The cable may be configured to optimize volume within a core thereof by employing semi-circular forward and return power conducting portions about a central fiber optic portion. As such, the cable may maintain a lightweight character and a low profile of less than about 0.5 inches in diameter in spite of powering requirements for the downhole tool or the extensive length of the cable itself.

Abstract: A data communication cable can comprise multiple pairs of twisted conductors. A jacket that extends along the outside surface of the cable can define a longitudinal core, internal to the cable. The conductor pairs can be disposed in the core of the cable along with a foam matrix or a porous filler, with the matrix and the conductors occupying essentially all of the volume of the core. The foam matrix can hold each conductor pair in a respective location within the cable core to control signal crosstalk on each pair. A co-extrusion process can produce the cable via simultaneously extruding the foam matrix and the jacket. A pulling apparatus can feed the conductor pairs though respective ports of an extrusion head-and-die assembly. As one extruder encases the moving conductor pairs in the foam matrix, another extruder forms the jacket over the matrix and the embedded conductors.

Abstract: An optical-electrical composite cable as an example of an optical-electrical composite transmission device has a flexible board as an electrical signal transmission member having an electric wiring section, and an optical fiber as an optical signal transmission member. The optical fiber is passed through a plurality of holes formed in a resin base section of the flexible board so as to thread through the resin base section. The flexible board and the optical fiber are integrated so as not to be separated from each other, so that even when the characteristics (tensile strength, thermal expansion coefficient) of the transmission lines respectively embodied by the flexible board and the optical fiber are different, the optical-electrical composite cable has stable flexibility as a whole.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal sensing fiber including a semiconducting element having a fiber length and characterized by a bandgap energy corresponding to a selected operational temperature range for the fiber in which there can be produced a change in thermally-excited electronic charge carrier population in the semiconducting element in response to a temperature change in the selected temperature range. At least one pair of conducting electrodes is provided in contact with the semiconducting element along the fiber length, and an insulator is provided along the fiber length.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical data transmission arrangement with an optical multicore fiber, on the respective end faces of which an electro-optical transducer is arranged, wherein at least one of the electro-optical transducers consists of several segments. The electro-optical data transmission arrangement allows high data transmission rates and broad tolerances in the manufacture.

Abstract: A composite cable 21 with a plug 22 attached thereto includes optical fibers, metal wires, a tensile strength fiber 21a, and an envelope 21b for enveloping them and the plug 22 includes a ferrule 210 of the plug for connecting the optical fiber, a cable clamp 221 and a Kevler holder 222 (first fixing mechanism) for fixing the tensile strength fiber 21a, and a gasket 223 (second fixing mechanism) for blocking a twist of the envelope 21b and further includes a joint mechanism (227) of a detachable traction cap for pulling the composite cable 21 and inserting the composite cable 21 into piping.

Abstract: There is provided a feedback-controlled self-heat-monitoring fiber, including an insulator having a fiber length with at least one metal-semiconductor-metal thermal sensing element along the fiber length and disposed at a position in a cross section of the fiber for sensing changes in fiber temperature. An electronic circuit is connected to the thermal sensing element for indicating changes in fiber temperature. A controller is connected for controlling optical transmission through an optical transmission element, that is disposed along the fiber length, in response to indications of changes in fiber temperature.

Abstract: Digital optical cables for communication between digital consumer electronic devices. The digital optical cable can include an optical fiber, a first interface configured to couple a digital source device to a first end of the optical fiber, the first interface can comprise an optical transmitter for receiving an electronic video signal from the digital source device, converting the electronic video signal to an optical signal, and for transmitting the optical signal onto the first end of the optical fiber. A second interface can be configured to couple a digital sink device to a second end of the optical fiber, the second interface comprising an optical receiver for receiving the optical signal transmitted by the optical transmitter from the second end of the optical fiber, converting the optical signal to an electronic video signal, and transmitting the electronic signal to the digital sink device.

Abstract: Optical fiber cable from a Central Office (CO) to a Service Area Interface (SAI) Optical Line Terminal (OLT) box may have a plurality of optical fibers, each fiber having at least one conductive sheath to can propagate an identifying signal. Optical fibers that emit a signal with identifying information, or other useful information, may be advantageous when, for example, the fiber optic cable holds fibers owned by more than one content or service provider. A further advantage may be that a signal may be designated to a particular address, thereby facilitating the installation of fiber optic service to a customer.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable can comprise a tape that extends along the cable and that facilitates locating the cable when the cable is buried underground. The tape can comprise a film of nonconductive material, such as plastic, with an overlaying pattern of conductive patches. The conductive patches can comprise regions of metallic film laminated with or otherwise adhering to the nonconductive film. Spacing between the conductive patches can provide patch-to-patch isolation so that the ends of the cable are electrically isolated from one another. Field personnel can locate the underground cable by scanning the ground with a metal detector.

Abstract: A patch panel configured for mounting to a network rack, includes: a frame including mounting features at opposite lateral ends for mounting the patch panel to the network rack; a bezel mounted to the patch panel, the bezel including a plurality of outlet apertures, and a plurality of communication outlets mounted in respective ones of the outlet apertures. Each of the outlets includes a plurality of electrical contacts within a plug aperture configured to receive a mating plug. The plug aperture has a generally horizontal axis for receiving the mating plug and further includes a plug latch recess. The outlets are oriented such that the plug latch recess is positioned on one side edge of the plug aperture.

Abstract: Cables that are detectable and/or identified from a distant location using detection equipment are disclosed. The cables include at least one communication element, a jacket, and at least one antenna element such as a parasitic antenna element. In one embodiment, the antenna element is at least partially formed from a conductive ink as a portion of a cable component that is generally deployed along a longitudinal direction of the cable. In use, the antenna element is capable of providing a predetermined electromagnetic signature for a predetermined frequency transmitted in its proximity, thereby indicating the location and/or identification of the cable for the craft.

Abstract: A junction box and hybrid fiber optic cable connector which permit repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire cable assembly or retermination of the cable. A method of repairing a hybrid fiber/copper cable and connector.

Abstract: Signals propagating on an aggressor communication channel can cause interference in a victim communication channel. A sensor coupled to the aggressor channel can obtain a sample of the aggressor signal. The sensor can be integrated with or embedded in a system, such as a flex circuit or a circuit board, that comprises the aggressor channel. The sensor can comprise a dedicated conductor or circuit trace that is near an aggressor conductor, a victim conductor, or an EM field associated with the interference. An interference compensation circuit can receive the sample from the sensor. The interference compensation circuit can have at least two operational modes of operation. In the first mode, the circuit can actively generate or output a compensation signal that cancels, corrects, or suppresses the interference. The second mode can be a standby, idle, power-saving, passive, or sleep mode.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal sensing fiber including a semiconducting element having a fiber length and characterized by a bandgap energy corresponding to a selected operational temperature range for the fiber in which there can be produced a change in thermally-excited electronic charge carrier population in the semiconducting element in response to a temperature change in the selected temperature range. At least one pair of conducting electrodes is provided in contact with the semiconducting element along the fiber length, and an insulator is provided along the fiber length.

Abstract: An optical cable harness assembly and method are provided. The optical cable harness assembly includes at least one optical cable harness having a termination end; at least one electrical connector having connector pins; and at least one active connector conversion unit coupled between the termination end of the optical harness cable and the electrical connector. A method for retrofitting an optical harness assembly into an existing platform is disclosed. The method includes removing a legacy wiring harness; installing an optical harness assembly having electrical connectors and an active connector conversion unit; and testing the compatibility of connector pins of the electrical connector to the active connector conversion unit.

Abstract: An optical harness assembly and method are provided. The optical harness assembly includes at least one optical harness cable having a termination end; at least one electrical connector having connector pins; and at least one active connector conversion unit coupled between the termination end of the optical harness cable and the electrical connector. The method includes: identifying electrical signals present on each pin of each electrical connector presentation; programmatically adjusting an interface based on the identified electrical signals present; and mapping the electrical connector signals to digital signals. The method may further include: providing a personality adaptor coupled between the electrical connector pin outs and signal conditioners; configuring the personality adaptor based on the identified electrical signals present on each pin out of each electrical connector presentation; and providing configured electrical connector presentation signals to the interface.

Abstract: A compound optical and electrical conductor includes a fiberoptic light transmitting element (multiple fibers or single solid rod) with at least one solar cell with LED therewith. The electrical conductor or conductors may be imbedded or otherwise secured within the optically conducting element or its surrounding jacket or sheath (20), or may be contained in a separate elongate retainer which may be provided to hold the optically conducting element in place as desired. The conductors may include a jacket or retainer (112) which is optically open along one side thereof, allowing the optical conductor (14) to emit light laterally therefrom subtending an angle defined by the optical gap in the jacket or retainer. One or more compound connectors may be provided, for linking two or more such compound conductors together as desired. The connectors provide for both the concentric alignment of the optical conductors, and also the electrical connection of the electrical conductors (16a-16c) of the compound devices.

Abstract: An active cable that communicates over much of its length using one or more optical fibers, but which includes at integrated electrical connector at least one of its ends. The cable may be an electrical to optical cable, and electrical to electrical cable, or one of many other potential configurations.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon monitoring cable including resistance to development of defects in a fiber optic core thereof. The core defect resistance may be in the form of resistance to defect causing agents of a downhole environment such as hydrogen. This may be obtained through the use of a carbon layer about the fiber optic core. However, in light of the differing coefficients of thermal expansion between such a carbon layer and an outer polymer jacket, an intermediate polymer layer of a third coefficient of thermal expansion may be disposed between the carbon and jacket layers. Thus, the intermediate polymer layer may be of a third coefficient of thermal expansion selected so as to avoid fiber optic defect causing thermal expansion from the downhole environment itself. Additionally, the monitoring cable may include an electrically conductive layer about the fiber optic core that is positively charged to repel other positively charged fiber optic defect causing agents of the downhole environment.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit capable of transmitting electrical and optical signals is disclosed. The flexible printed circuit includes a set of optical waveguides for transmitting optical signals and a set of conductors for transmitting electrical signals. Each of a subset of the optical waveguides is enclosed by a respectively one of the conductors. The optical waveguide is made of glass or plastic. The conductors are formed within a first building block constructed by a first dielectric layer and a first substrate layer, and a second building block constructed by a second dielectric layer and a second substrate layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system that allows for the flexible location of an optical device that is coupled to a patch panel in a wiring closet or other optical signal source through a series of fiber optic cables and optical connections, or the flexible location of an array of such optical devices. The optical system includes, in part, one or more retractable optical fiber tether assemblies that each allow varying lengths of tether cable to be pulled and used. The retraction device of each of the optical tether assemblies may be disposed mid-tether cable, or may terminate the respective tether cable and incorporate the given optical device. In an exemplary wireless local area network (WLAN) application, each of the retractable optical fiber tether assemblies includes an integral transceiver and associated software. Thus, each of the retractable optical fiber tether assemblies functions as an antenna.

Abstract: A tubular and a jacketed cable combination includes a strip of material helically wound about itself to form a tubular structure having an inside dimension and an outside dimension, one or more optic fibers disposed within a filler material, a jacket disposed about the filler material to protect the same and an affixation between the jacket and the tubular and methods of making the combination and the cable.

Abstract: A substantially flat fiber optic drop cable assembly comprises: a fiber optic connector comprising a fiber optic ferrule and a housing; a crimp body coupled to the housing of the fiber optic connector; a fiber optic cable comprising a pair of strength members disposed partially within the fiber optic cable; a first sheath disposed between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic cable, the first sheath coupled to the crimp body; a second sheath disposed between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic cable, the second sheath coupled to the fiber optic cable; and a demarcation element joining the first sheath and the second sheath, wherein the demarcation element comprises a substantially tubular element; wherein the pair of strength members are configured to engage the crimp body about the first sheath, the second sheath, and the demarcation element.

Abstract: A fiber cable having a first fiber containing portion with a plurality of optional fibers disposed therein. A second strength portion is separable from the first fiber containing portion arranged in a substantially flat arrangement. The second strength portion is separatably coupled to the first fiber containing portion.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit capable of transmitting electrical and optical signals is disclosed. The flexible printed circuit includes a set of optical waveguides for transmitting optical signals and a set of conductors for transmitting electrical signals. Each of a subset of the optical waveguides is enclosed by a respectively one of the conductors. The optical waveguide is made of glass or plastic. The conductors are formed within a first building block constructed by a first dielectric layer and a first substrate layer, and a second building block constructed by a second dielectric layer and a second substrate layer.

Abstract: Composite fiber optic cables having exposed, conductive traces external to the cable jacket enable non-invasive, wireless electrical tone tracing of fiber optic cables. The cross sectional geometry of the fiber optic cable prevents conductive traces from short circuiting when abutting other cables or grounded conductive elements. Moreover, the structure allows convenient electrical contact to the conductive traces at any location along the longitudinal extent of the cable without requiring penetration of the cable jacket or removal of fiber optic connectors. Traceable fiber optic cables of various types are disclosed, including simplex, duplex and ribbon cables. Systems of traceable cables utilizing connectors with integrated electrical antenna elements attached to the conductive elements of cable and RFID tags for remote connector port identification are further disclosed.

Abstract: A conductor module (M) comprises a jacket (E) tightly accommodating, in the manner of tubing, at least two flexible conductors (C). The conductors (C) are coated with a small amount of oil (H) having a viscosity strictly less than 100 millipascal second (mPa.s) so as to allow control of the slippage of the jacket (E) in relation to the conductors (C) and longitudinal impenetrability inside the module (M).

Abstract: Disclosed is installation of an optical fiber composite electric power cable. An installation method of an optical fiber composite electric power cable includes installing an electric power cable including a conductor and an air-blown installation tube therein at an installation region; connecting tubes of adjacent electric power cables to each other, in an electric power cable connection box; and installing an optical fiber unit into the connected tubes by air pressure. Also, a cable structure used for installing the optical fiber composite electric power cable includes a conductor for electric power transmission; an insulator surrounding the conductor; an air-blown installation tube provided out of the insulator; and a corrosion-protective layer provided to an outermost layer of the cable.

Abstract: An electrooptical communications and power cable has at least one light waveguide, which is arranged in a central multifibre bundle consisting of a smooth flexible metal tube and provided with a primary jacket. Two layers of stranded metal wires are extended coaxially to the multifibre bundle. The metal wires are also used for relieving a traction and/or transversal load. The internal metal wire layer consists of metal wires exhibiting a good electric conductivity. The external metal wire layer has metal wires which are arranged alternately individually and/or group groupwisely and exhibit a good electrical conductivity and metal wires exhibiting a high traction strength. The two wire layers are held at a distance (a) from each other by an insulating layer. The communications and power cable is used first of all for an electrooptical power connection between two voltage converters in an intelligent system.

Abstract: An optical phase modulator made of lithium niobate or the like phase-modulates the output light of a single-wavelength laser light source 20 that emits CW light, and the phase-modulated light is inputted to a dispersion medium 22. The positive chirp and negative chirp of light to which frequency chirp is applied by phase modulation draw near in the dispersion medium and an optical pulse is generated.

Abstract: A data communication cable can comprise multiple pairs of twisted conductors. A jacket that extends along the outside surface of the cable can define a longitudinal core, internal to the cable. The conductor pairs can be disposed in the core of the cable along with a foam matrix or a porous filler, with the matrix and the conductors occupying essentially all of the volume of the core. The foam matrix can hold each conductor pair in a respective location within the cable core to control signal crosstalk on each pair. A co-extrusion process can produce the cable via simultaneously extruding the foam matrix and the jacket. A pulling apparatus can feed the conductor pairs though respective ports of an extrusion head-and-die assembly. As one extruder encases the moving conductor pairs in the foam matrix, another extruder forms the jacket over the matrix and the embedded conductors.

Abstract: Techniques for ultra-high density connection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultra-high density connector includes a bundle of substantially parallel elongate cylindrical elements, where each cylindrical element is substantially in contact with at least one adjacent cylindrical element. Ends of the elongate cylindrical elements are disposed differentially with respect to each other to define a three-dimensional interdigitating mating surface. At least one of the elongate cylindrical elements has an electrically conductive contact positioned to tangentially engage a corresponding electrical contact of a mating connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfluorinated plastic graded-index optical fiber 51, including a core 52 of fluorinated polymer doped with a fluorinated compound, an optical cladding 53 in fluorinated polymer with an index less than that of said core 52, surrounding said core 52, as well as a strengthening layer 54 in polymer material, surrounding said optical cladding 53. The invention is remarkable in that the optical fiber 51 further includes a protective layer 55 in a photo-crosslinkable resin surrounding said strengthening layer 54, and the polymer material of the strengthening layer 54 is a material different from that of the protective layer 55.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic assemblies for adding additional nodes to a communication network. The fiber optic assemblies include a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of electrical conductors for transmitting power with a protective sheath covering at least a portion of the same. The fiber optic assembly also includes an optical stub fitting assembly having a rigid housing attached to a optical portion of the composite cable, thereby furcating one or more optical fibers of the fiber optic cable into one or more optical fiber legs. One or more of the optical fiber legs may include one or more optical connector attached thereto. Optionally, the fiber optic assembly may further include a coaxial adapter for transmitting power.

Abstract: A patch panel configured for mounting to a network rack, includes: a frame including mounting features at opposite lateral ends for mounting the patch panel to the network rack; a bezel mounted to the patch panel, the bezel including a plurality of outlet apertures, and a plurality of communication outlets mounted in respective ones of the outlet apertures. Each of the outlets includes a plurality of electrical contacts within a plug aperture configured to receive a mating plug. The plug aperture has a generally horizontal axis for receiving the mating plug and further includes a plug latch recess. The outlets are oriented such that the plug latch recess is positioned on one side edge of the plug aperture.